Thread: Making the switch from a DE to a straight razor!

You're going to get dozens of different answers, so here's my version.

I used videos to get ideas for how to grip my razor to get the angles right. After that, I didn't pay much attention to things like what parts to shave first, second etc. What I did find very helpful in videos was switching hands because it greatly improves my sightlines.

Stropping...Get 6 guys together and you'll get 8 different techniques and answers. I do 75 laps on leather before shaving and none after, but I have a short strop. Once I'm finished with my shave I rinse my razor, dry it with a towel and then quickly go over it with a tissue around the pivot pin. It then goes into the case, which is kept outside the bathroom to stay dry. I've never used any oil on my blades because I'm just too darned lazy to get some and clean it up when its needed. If the steel is dry when you put it away and you use the razor in a regular rotation you shouldn't get any rust or water stains.

I watched Lynn's video/DVD to get an idea of how to do this...in fact, to determine whether I could do it. I was worried about slicing my head off. (Well, not really, but I was a bit concerned)

I do 2 passes, one with the grain, one against. 3 seems like it would be too much for my face.

I do 30 on canvas, then 60 on leather before shaving. I don't strop between passes. Then I dry the blade off with a rag, do thirty on canvas, and put a drop of 3 in 1 oil on each side of the blade. I smear the oil on the blade with a finger, taking care always to move the finger toward the edge, never against it.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.